JD Vance pushes for Russia-Ukraine dialogue, says US mediation alone can't end the war
US Vice President JD Vance called Wednesday for direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine on ending the grinding three-year war that started with Moscow's invasion.
"We think it's probably impossible for us to mediate this entirely without at least some direct negotiation between the two. And so that's what we focus on," Vance told the Munich Leaders Meeting in Washington.
He acknowledged that the concessions Russia was demanding remained unacceptable to the United States but expressed some hope that a path toward negotiations could still be found.
War shows no signs of immediate end, says Vance
Despite diplomatic efforts, Vance made it clear that the war is likely to continue in the near term. In a recent interview with Fox News, he said the conflict was 'not going to end any time soon.' His comments came shortly after Washington and Kyiv signed a key minerals agreement that includes peace as a long-term goal.
While acknowledging the pain caused by the Russian invasion, Vance questioned whether the ongoing loss of lives over minor territorial shifts could be justified.
'Of course they (the Ukrainians) are angry that they were invaded, but are we going to continue to lose thousands and thousands of soldiers over a few miles of territory this or that way?' Vance asked.
Trump envoy meets Putin amid peace push
Previosly Vance also referred to what he called a 'big breakthrough' during the Trump administration's informal efforts to mediate. President Donald Trump had earlier claimed that Russia and Ukraine were 'very close to a deal,' following a meeting between his envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.
JD Vance calls for direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks | Credit: X
Trump has repeatedly stated he would resolve the war within 24 hours of returning to office, though formal negotiations have so far stalled. Two direct calls between Trump and Putin, and several meetings, have yet to yield tangible progress.
Russia rejects US-backed ceasefire proposal
One major sticking point remains Moscow's refusal to accept a 30-day ceasefire plan proposed by the U.S. and accepted by Ukraine. Russia continues to insist that the territories it captured during the war be recognised as part of its federation — a demand that violates international law and is seen as a non-starter by most global powers.
Meanwhile, Russian attacks across Ukraine continue, with cities far from the frontlines bombed almost daily.
For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
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